John Brenkus, the founder and host of the Emmy-winning show Sport Science has died at the age of 54.
An official statement confirmed it
Brenkus passed away on Saturday, May 31, with a statement shared on three days later on his official social media account confirming the news.
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“It is with profound sadness that we share the news that John Brenkus had passed away,” the statement read.
He had been battling depression
“John, co-founder of BASE Productions, founder of Brinx.TV and co-creator and host of the 6-time Emmy Award-winning Sport Science, had been battling depression,” the statement continued.
“John lost his fight with this terrible illness on May 31st, 2025.”
His loved ones encouraged recovery
The statement went on to say that Brenkus’ family and friends have requested privacy in the wake of his passing and “encourage anyone who is struggling with depression to seek help.”
Brenkus’ show explained the science behind sports
As the name suggests, Sports Science, which was founded by Brenkus, showed the host demonstrating science for sports fans.
ESPN, which acquired his show after having initially aired on Fox Sports in 2007, explained the series as one that uncovered the “biggest myths and mysteries by using cutting-edge technology to measure momentum, friction and the laws of gravity.”
The channel shared a tribute
ESPN shared a tribute for the late host, announcing his death to viewers of the show. They remembered him as an “innovator, entertainer and educator,” who “will be missed by many.”
The TV personality had opened up about his battles
Brenkus had previously opened up about his mental health struggles, telling his Brinx.TV colleague and former NFL star Marcellus Wiley in 2023 that he once “fell into a very deep depression” after selling Sport Science to ESPN.
He explained that he was suicidal when his dog, Zeppelin, came to his “rescue” by pulling on his pants.
He had to call his mother for support
Brenkus shared, “I literally picked up my phone, called my mom and said ‘There’s something wrong with me. I am mentally lost.’”
“I then went through a battle, I’m telling you, a battle to get out of it. I went to six different psychologists and psychiatrists. Finally found my answer. Finally found the way.”
Brenkus spoke about stigma around mental health
The host also opened up about the stigma around mental health, saying, “If you say, ‘I suffer from mental health issues,’ people look at you like, ‘Oh my God, what’s wrong with you?’ And therefore something like depression, which is just a thought loop you can’t get out of your head, you don’t share it with anybody.”
“You feel embarrassed about it… Listen, there is hope. There are hotlines, there are friends, there is family. There are other people. Talk about it.”
Sports personalities paid tribute to Brenkus
Other personalities in the sports media scene shared a tribute to Brenkus, with Wiley writing, “RIP @johnbrenkus_????????❤️”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter also called the news “incredibly sad,” writing, “John was so good at what he did. Sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, John.”